New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant virtual address at the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 on Sunday, asserting that the 21st century belongs to India and the ASEAN nations. He articulated India’s vision for a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable future with Southeast Asia, noting that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a crucial component of India’s Act East Policy. During the Summit, Modi remarked, “The 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century. I am confident that the objectives of ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2045’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ will pave the way for a promising future for all humanity.” The address highlighted India’s strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural connections with the ten-member bloc.
The Prime Minister detailed India’s increasing cooperation with ASEAN in various sectors, including disaster response, maritime security, and the blue economy. He announced that 2026 will be designated as the ‘Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation,’ marking a new chapter in bilateral relations across the Indian Ocean. “To protect our cultural heritage and foster people-to-people connections, we will continue our collaborative efforts,” he stated. On Thursday, PM Modi shared insights from his discussion with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In a post on X, he mentioned, “Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.
Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming Summits.” Malaysia will chair ASEAN in 2025, while the Philippines will take over in 2026. India began its formal relationship with ASEAN in 1992 as a “Sectoral Dialogue Partner” and became a “Dialogue Partner” in 1995. Prime Minister Modi has participated in all ASEAN-India Summits since 2014, except for the one in 2022. During the 25th year Commemorative Summit in New Delhi in January 2018, leaders from all ten ASEAN countries attended India’s 69th Republic Day Parade as esteemed guests.
